Police locate missing PWD after a year using 911 system

A single emergency call helped reunite a family with a loved one who had been missing for nearly a year after Philippine National Police operatives used the government’s Unified 911 system to locate and return a person with disability (PWD), police officials said.

PNP chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the incident occurred 25 January, when a sibling sought help through the Unified 911 hotline after locating his brother, a PWD with a mental health condition, in Nagcarlan town in Laguna province. The man had been missing for almost a year, and the family lacked the financial means to bring him home.

Nartatez said the strengthened emergency response platform under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, led by Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, enabled police to respond swiftly and ensure the individual’s safe return.

Personnel from the Nagcarlan Municipal Police Station verified the report and escorted the PWD, who was later turned over to his family at the Tipas, Taguig City Police Station. The handover marked an emotional reunion after months of uncertainty, police said.

Nartatez said the case underscored the role of the Unified 911 system in providing immediate assistance beyond criminal emergencies and reflected the police force’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.

“Our police officers are called not only to enforce the law but to respond when people are in need of help and protection. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, ipinapakita natin na ang malasakit ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating serbisyo,” Nartatez said.

“No family should feel alone in moments of crisis. The PNP will continue to act decisively to reunite families and protect those who cannot protect themselves. Naroon ang pulisya upang umalalay at tiyaking ligtas ang bawat mamamayan,” he added.

The operation aligns with the PNP Focused Agenda, the organization’s framework aimed at making police services more people-centered and reliable. Key priorities include enhanced police operations management and active community support.

“As the PNP enhances its emergency response capability and community outreach efforts under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of ‘Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman,’” Nartatez said.